A Corridor Has Been Granted for Azerbaijanis to Withdraw from Parukh: Negotiations Ongoing - 24News

The situation in the Askeran region of Artsakh is calm, and along with Russian peacekeepers, it is being monitored by our relevant units. This was stated to 24News by Anahit Petrosyan, the assistant to the head of the Askeran region administration.

Earlier, the Artsakh Defense Army reported that on March 24, Azerbaijani Armed Forces units had grossly violated the requirements of the trilateral statement of November 10, 2020, by invading the territory under the responsibility of the Russian Federation's peacekeeping contingent, taking control of the village of Parukh in the Askeran region and adjacent positions, and then attempted to advance in the eastern border region of Artsakh.

“Negotiations that lasted hours between the Russian peacekeeping contingent and the relevant authorities of Artsakh did not yield significant results, and the opposing side has not returned to its initial positions. Furthermore, Azerbaijani units opened fire on the Forces of Artsakh during the night of March 25, using various calibers of firearm weapons as well as combat drones. As a result of the ongoing exchange of fire, at least 5 servicemen from the opposing side have been killed. There is one wounded from our side,” Anahit Petrosyan noted, also rejecting reports that the Azerbaijani side had captured the Karaghlukh height.

The Karaghlukh height is of strategic importance as it provides a view of all settlements in Artsakh from Askeran to Stepanakert.

Petrosyan said, “A corridor has been granted for Azerbaijanis to withdraw from Parukh and return to their initial positions; negotiations are still ongoing at this time.” According to the official, the residents of Parukh were evacuated yesterday to the villages of the Askeran region under the control of the administration and the National Security Service of Artsakh. “The overall evacuation was carried out normally; people have been adequately accommodated, and we do not have any issues regarding this matter.”